Parking  wardens could patrol suburban streets to crack down on motorists leaving their cars on grass verges.

Brighton and Hove City Council wants to take advantage of new Government rules and use £125,000 to set up a pilot scheme to clamp down on those mounting the kerb and leaving their cars there.

Any motorist caught in the dedicated zone at any time could be fined up to £70.

If successful, the scheme could be widened out across the city.

Transport committee chairman Ian Davey said: “Following requests from residents and local councillors, and evidence of long-standing problems, it is proposed that two pilot schemes proceed.

“These areas have been agreed with local councillors to cover a handful of roads in areas only where parking is a nuisance or hazardous.”

The funding is allocated as part of the local authority’s budget plans for 2013/14.

If approved, the money will fund a trial in Mile Oak, Portslade and areas of Patcham.

Ruined verges

Complaints Penny Gilbey, who represents North Portslade on the local authority, said she had received dozens of complaints from locals about people parking on the verge in Chalky Road.

Coun Gilbey said: “It seems that people using the sports centre are not aware there is a new car park just down the road they could use.

“The verges are ruined – they are all muddy and slippery – and there is a concern for pedestrians and students at the school.”

Experts at the local authority said there will be signs at the start of the ‘zone’ with them repeated at regular intervals.

The areas chosen are where verge parking is by visitors and commuters or where there is already parking available elsewhere.

A council spokeswoman said: “The two pilot schemes are subject to agreement by committee and to available funding.

“There will be no road markings or bollards used, and it will be enforceable by parking attendants.”

Any changes would be subject to a traffic order and consultation.

The budget will be finalised at a special meeting of all the councillors on February 28 in Brighton Town Hall.

Talking point: Should more action be taken against people parking on grass verges?

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